Staying Active

Vitamin D supplements no longer are recommended to prevent falls for people 65 years or older, according to new guidelines by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF). Instead, the emphasis is on exercise.

Everyone knows that exercise is good for you, but what type of training helps most, especially when you're older - say over 65? A Mayo Clinic study says it's high-intensity aerobic exercise, which can reverse some cellular aspects of aging. The findings appear in Cell Metabolism.

Exercise is important for everyday health, but one exercise in particular helps prevent falls and broken bones in seniors, according to recently published research. Dr. Robert Wermers, a Mayo Clinic endocrinologist, says tai chi is a low-impact balance exercise that can reduce falls and prevent life-impairing bone fractures in seniors. In this tai chi class, people may be equal, but health risks are not. Dr. Wermers says, as we age, we lose muscle mass and have a higher risk for falling.

You might be able to lose weight that way, depending on the duration and intensity of your walking and what your diet's like. But eating fewer calories through dietary changes seems to promote weight loss more effectively than does physical activity.

Enjoying Retirement

(BPT) - Across the nation, thousands of seniors have used a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM), commonly called a reverse mortgage loan, as a savvy way to access the equity in their homes as part of their retirement strategy. Those who are interested in a reverse mortgage loan should know that there are six main phases to the process: 1) educating and qualifying, 2) counseling, 3) approval, 4) funding, 5) using and 6) settling. 1. Educating and qualifying

(BPT) - For many Americans, moving households represents a fresh start and a chance to improve quality of life. Last year, some 39.4 million Americans changed residences, thanks in part to better affordability in the housing market.

It's best to talk about long term care early -- before the need for medical or personal care is imminent. Here's help understanding, choosing and financing long term care. Long-term care is a term used to describe home and community-based services for adults who need help taking care of themselves.

As we 73 million Baby Boomers retire in droves, at the rate of 10,000 per day, and totaling more than a quarter million Americans every month until the year 2030, we enter a period of personal disorientation and confusion, if the truth be known. We are a very hard-working generation, and often have been defined by our careers. And we have high expectations. So our concerns are valid.

Aging Well

(BPT) - While many of us may dream of retiring and moving away to a beach-side resort or cabin by the lake, the reality is that most Americans look forward to remaining in their own homes so they can continue to enjoy familiar comforts, activities and loved ones. In fact, an AARP survey recently found that 87 percent of U.S.

DEAR MAYO CLINIC: My mother was recently diagnosed with Parkinson's, but she doesn't have many symptoms. I would like her to get a second opinion. Is there a blood test that can determine if the diagnosis is accurate?

(BPT) - The ability to see is one of our most precious gifts. Like most things in life, our vision may be impacted as we age. That's why it's important to learn about Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). Prevalent among older Americans, it affects one in five adults age 65 and older, and is the leading cause of blindness for this population. While there is no cure for this condition, there are steps that you can take to help reduce the risk of progression, including:

By 65, Caucasian men are reportedly twice as likely as women to get melanoma. And not only are they more likely to develop melanoma, but also they often have a more aggressive form of the disease, according to a report from Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. "Melanoma is often believed to be 'just another skin cancer,'" says Dr. Svetomir Markovic, an oncologist at Mayo Clinic not involved with the report. "Unfortunately, this is not true."

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) - Strokes are the leading cause of long-term disability in the United States, and they can happen at any age. For many, a stroke affects the mobility of their arms and hands, making it difficult to perform routine, everyday tasks. But experts are studying a new approach to stroke rehabilitation that could help patients recover their motor skills sooner.

All adults over 50 are encouraged to get the new shingles vaccine, Shingrix. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Shingrix for the prevention of herpes zoster (shingles) and related complications. "When people get shingles, it's a very painful ordeal," says Dr. Pritish Tosh, an infectious diseases specialist at Mayo Clinic.

Right now in the United States, there are more 100-year-olds alive than ever before. In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that this sector of the population is increasing in number and they are living longer. Dr.

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(BPT) - As their 65th birthday looms, many people eagerly anticipate the affordable access to health care that Medicare will provide. After all, Medicare covers everything, right? Not exactly. Because of this common misconception, many people are caught off guard when they realize that each one of the dozens of Medicare options available to them comes with its own set of out-of-pocket cost implications.

(BPT) - Whether it's for a special occasion or just because, hosting an older adult in your home can be a wonderful experience with lots of memory-making potential. However, for a safe and successful visit, you may want to make a few adjustments to your home before they arrive to make it more senior-friendly.

As people age, they can experience drastic changes in their vision. These changes can come in many different forms, from increased difficulty seeing people and objects to more serious issues like glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration.

As your parents get older, how can you be sure they're taking care of themselves and staying healthy? When you visit your parents, consider these questions: 1. Are your parents able to take care of themselves? Pay attention to your parents' appearance. Failure to keep up with daily routines -- such as bathing and toothbrushing -- could indicate dementia, depression or physical impairments.

Eating Right

You don't need to eliminate all fat from your diet. In fact, some fats actually help promote good health. But it's wise to choose the healthier types of dietary fat and then enjoy them -- in moderation. The facts about fat There are numerous types of fat. Your body makes its own fat from taking in excess calories. Some fats are found in foods from plants and animals and are known as dietary fat. Dietary fat is a macronutrient that provides energy for your body.